Nikon D80 Help!

[Jachin]

I have just purchased my new D80 including 18mm-200mm 3.5-5.6VR lens and would like to know which filter you would suggest to protect the lens.

My previous cameras were Canon EOS5 c/w 50mmf1.4 + 28-105 usm + E430z flash.
When Fuji introduced their 601 which I decided to buy it and because of the size I found it very useful. I was not aware of the time lag with this camera and everyone said that film was finished and that digital was taking over so I decided to sell my Canon kit (only got £350 for the lot) If I had known that Canon were going to bring out a Digital SLR I would have kept the lenses. However I'm very pleased with my new purchase and I would appreciate any help that you can give.

[Dust Bowl Refugee]

I have just purchased my new D80 including 18mm-200mm 3.5-5.6VR lens and would like to know which filter you would suggest to protect the lens.

My previous cameras were Canon EOS5 c/w 50mmf1.4 + 28-105 usm + E430z flash.
When Fuji introduced their 601 which I decided to buy it and because of the size I found it very useful. I was not aware of the time lag with this camera and everyone said that film was finished and that digital was taking over so I decided to sell my Canon kit (only got £350 for the lot) If I had known that Canon were going to bring out a Digital SLR I would have kept the lenses. However I'm very pleased with my new purchase and I would appreciate any help that you can give.

I just use Jessup's own brand Skylight filter for the lenses on my D80. Seem to work fine and they didn't cost a fortune either.

Cheers
Mark

[timmciglobal]

Putting bad glass in front of good glass is a huge waste of money.

I'd suggest B+W MRC filters, best in business.

Tim

[Jachin]

Thanks Tim

Are the filters you suggest just cheaper than Nikon or are they cheaper and better?

[timmciglobal]

They arn't cheaper but they are better.

Tim

[fionndruinne]

They can be gosh-darn expensive. Hoya's better-priced, or Tiffen has some really inexpensive options if you want something while you save up for the much better choices.

[timmciglobal]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Haze_010.html

50$ roughly.

Tim

[uncleskull]

I'm really gonna get hammered for this . . .

Don't put any filter in front of your lens simply for "protection." That is something promoted by very savvy salesmen to rack up a few extra coins in the commission envelope.

Instead use reasonable care and a cleaning kit.

Use filters only when you need to alter your image (polarizers, ND's, graduated, stars, etc).

[coldrain]

I'm really gonna get hammered for this . . .

Don't put any filter in front of your lens simply for "protection." That is something promoted by very savvy salesmen to rack up a few extra coins in the commission envelope.

Instead use reasonable care and a cleaning kit.

Use filters only when you need to alter your image (polarizers, ND's, graduated, stars, etc).

I agree. Protect the lens from what? Finger smudges? You need to clean the filter then... what is the difference from cleaning the front element?
Protecting from bumping into things? Filters will shatter, scratching the front element. Better use the lens cap whan not making photos for protection. And the sun hood offers a nice bump buffer.

Filters can/will introduce reflection induced haze, ghosts, glare, loss of contrast.

[AlexMonro]

I only use a "protection" filter in windy conditions where there might be stuff blowing about - e.g. sand on a beach or desert. I think in those conditions there is a (small) risk of damage to the front element - you have to take the lens cap off to take a picture!

In general, with respect to the camera / lens getting dropped etc. having a filter fitted is as likely to add to the damage as save it, and a filter always degrades the image to some extent (although in correct situations, it obviously adds more than it loses).